59. Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios

[00:00:00] I am so excited to announce to all of our M&Ms that we are hosting a giveaway. We're calling this the Spread the Magic giveaway. A $500 cash prize just in time for the holidays, plus additional prizes and ways to enter. Your first entries are as simple as following this podcast on Spotify and listening to this episode, which you're already doing, or any of our episodes on the Moms Behind the Magic in our vault.

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[00:00:47] This giveaway is running through December 14th, 2026, so head on over there. If you still have time, if you're hearing this in enough time, join our giveaway and we cannot wait to spread some magic. Coming up, we're talking about one of Disney's swankiest, coolest holiday parties. It's Jollywood Nights. Should everything be on your must-do list or are there some things that are worth skipping and spending more time elsewhere?

[00:01:12] We're going to break it down by every single category, highlighting all of the offerings and making sure you have the best experience you possibly can at Jollywood Nights inside Disney's Hollywood Studios. Hey there, everyone. Welcome in to another episode of the Moms Behind the Magic Podcast. I am your host, Allie. I am here today with Carla, with Stacey. It's the holidays. We're talking about it. I'm so excited. I'm so happy. Does this not just make you guys the happiest? It does. I mean, I wish we could fast forward two months.

[00:01:41] I'm still wearing Halloween stuff because today it's October. So I'm trying to change my mindset. Yeah, obviously we record in advance, but we are getting in the holiday spirit. My wife has gone above and beyond to decorate our house for Halloween and it looks amazing. But there is a part of me that's walking through my halls in my house thinking, I can't wait till Alexa's playing all the Christmas music and there's Christmas trees everywhere. I'm ready. So I am excited to talk about Jollywood today, but I have some sad news to tell you first. It's really bad.

[00:02:11] What is it? It's quite horrible. Is it about your trip to your football game this weekend? No. Oh, that was terrible. No, I blacked that out. I blacked that out. Sorry. Sorry for bringing it up. This is actually sad. We had to have a memorial service at 11 p.m. last night for dearly departed Axolotl. Shoot. Here I am joking about football and you went to something horribly sad. I am sad. I'm sorry. I am sorry. No, it's okay. I was a roommate with that Axolotl.

[00:02:39] I know you were. And she said, hey, you know what? My daughter, she listens to this podcast. So all the love to you, my darling. Yeah, she's very sad. And, you know, you lose that pet, your first pet in life. It's so difficult. That poor little girl. Are we talking about the poor little girl, the Axolotl or your daughter? Because I was wondering, is an Axolotl, can it be a female or male? Is it one of those things that's both? Is that what is that called? Ambidextrous? No. No, that's when you can write both left and right.

[00:03:08] Same thing. Same thing. Not quite the same thing. No, I was talking about the Axolotl. However, I paused because we never actually gender identified it. Nor should you. Nor should you. We were accepting all pronouns for that little swimmer in this house. And we're very sad to see it go. It was difficult, but we memorialized it and very sad. I'm really sorry. Did you bury it? We did. Yeah. Yeah. She handled it well, but, you know, I felt really bad for her.

[00:03:37] And I know that this is a very relatable thing for all moms listening. I had to share my experience with her about when I lost my first pet, which was a hamster, as many of us did lose hamsters. And I guess I've told her that story before because she goes, your hamster died. Are you ready? This is going to be... Have I told you all this story? Do you know why my hamster died? No, I don't think so. You don't know. No, you had a hamster. That was about her age, probably a little younger. She goes, your hamster died because it ate its children. And that was true.

[00:04:06] We had that experience too in my childhood. Yes. In case you didn't know, mother hamsters should be separated from their babies. And that's why it happens. It all happens. This is such an awful conversation. This is so awful. Liam had a fish. Wait, I'm going to tell a little story because it's funny. Liam had a fish. Good. And well, it died very quickly. He stuck his hand in the tank and it scared it. And I think it got sucked into the filter. We have one of those stories too. But wait, wait, wait.

[00:04:34] A couple of weeks after that, we went to the Rainforest Cafe and they have that big, beautiful aquarium that's a big circle. And he was standing there with his hand on the tank, just sobbing, sobbing, thinking about his fish. And I was like, oh my gosh. So naturally we got him another one and it also died very quickly. So then we learned our lesson. You know how you can get a goldfish at the fair? Or do they do that where y'all are from? Yeah. Oh, for sure.

[00:05:04] Those things live a minute. Two of our dance students went to the fair and got, this is, oh my gosh, this was so far before we had kids. This was so long ago. And two of our students at the time won these fish at the fair and then their parents wouldn't let them keep them. And so the cool young dance teachers, they're like, well, you keep our goldfish. We're like, okay. They don't live very long anyway. How hard could it be? How hard could it be? So we have two goldfish, Will and Grace, and we had them in their aquarium for what we

[00:05:32] thought was going to be a second. Do you know how long Will and Grace lived? Seven seasons? I don't know. Nine years they lived. Oh my word. You know, nine might be too many. It was many, many, many years. Many years. And like these students graduated and moved and were gone. And we were still caring for Will and Grace. And my friend, we were out of town. My friend was in charge of watching them and she forgot to feed them. And that's how they died. Oh, shoot. Oh my gosh. I know. Oh my goodness. What a story.

[00:06:02] Wow. Yeah. We're just spreading the joy today. It's all about jollywood joy. This is really great. Great. I know. But I had to share with you guys what we went through. It was horrible. It was so sad. Well, hey, back to talking about seasons. We were talking about it being Christmas season. It is also two other important seasons. Hurricane and football. And I am sitting here anxiously awaiting. And I know Carla down in Florida is also watching this tropical development.

[00:06:30] But I really think it's going to affect us more than Carla here in Alabama. They're talking about moving. Alabama and Georgia are playing Saturday. Humongous, humongous, humongous game. And it is the hurricane is supposed to be like very detrimental to the game. Can I just tell you? Can I just tell you how, okay, I am in the middle of a move. This is the last time I will be in this setting. I haven't even heard of this hurricane. Should I be worrying?

[00:06:59] But number one, my- Seriously? I guess number two, I just had a client text me about the weather. And he's like, should I be worried? Should I be concerned? I was like, what are you even talking about? Because it's a hurricane. So I guess I should pay more attention. It's kind of late in the season, I feel like. September, we usually get the big ones. Well, it was a very low year. Historically low year. But yeah, so we're anxiously awaiting because, of course, I have the son who is a student at Alabama who has student tickets.

[00:07:28] His girlfriend's going to be in town from Chicago for a rare treat of getting to go to a game. And it's just a huge, huge game anyway. And then my other son is, he got hired to be on the sideline again with ESPN, which is exciting and fun. That's so cool. So it's just a very big deal that we know what the situation will be. I'm sure whatever it is, they'll make the best of it. I hope it works out for you. It did not work out for us in this house last night, but we are moving forward.

[00:07:58] It was last night? Yes. You had a game last night? Shoot. Sorry. I thought you meant losing football. No, we're talking about the X model again. Not everything's about football. Well, Carla, it kind of is this time of year. Isn't it? I woke up thinking about it this morning still. Well, I mean, okay. Yeah. It's tough. We're, you know, we're going through it. This is why we need to talk about the holidays because we're in... The Buccaneers are currently defeated. Not undefeated. No. Defeated. You poor people. Yeah. It's bad.

[00:08:27] Hopefully by the time this episode airs, the Bucs have won. May have won. Maybe. Let's hope they've won a game. Just even won. Yeah. Yeah. Sure. Okay. We're going to ship this conversation to talk about Jollywood nights. We have a really fun way we're going to do this. We're going to prepare all of you for the party. If you have tickets, you don't have tickets and you want tickets or you're thinking about this for next year, this is going to be key for you. But before we do, if you've ever traveled with kids, that the hardest part is not always the flight.

[00:08:56] It's being away from all of the things that make your little one feel at home. And little ones need to feel at home. They need to feel comfortable and relaxed. Every time we travel, there's always that night where someone can't settle because they're just not in their usual space. And we realize halfway through the day that we really wish we would have brought the things we needed. And that's why here on Moms Behind the Magic and in my family, we love BabyQuip. BabyQuip is amazing. They are the number one baby gear rental service across the US, Canada, and beyond.

[00:09:24] They make it so easy to have the things that your family actually needs waiting for you when you arrive. The stress of travel is so much easier when you arrive and your things are just there. Cribs, strollers, car seats, toys, beach gear, even pet gear if you're traveling with your pet. They will deliver it straight to your hotel, your Airbnb, your vacation rental, wherever you are calling home away from home to make it feel more at home. What I love the most is that when you are renting from BabyQuip, you are actually renting from local quality providers.

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[00:10:25] That is the best code that BabyQuip currently offers. $10 off of every 50. That is a huge, huge savings. You can click the link in today's show notes. Take you straight to our portal. Use code MAGIC10. Get a great savings. Get everything you need. Make your kiddos feel safe, comfortable, and confident so that you can enjoy your vacation stress free. That's babyquip.com. Code MAGIC10. Pack light. Travel happy. Okay. We are talking Hollywood. Jollywood. Jollywood at Hollywood. For the holidays.

[00:10:56] That is a lot to say. Did somebody say Jollywood? I thought you said Dollywood. I thought you said Dollywood. I didn't say Jollywood. I said Hollywood. Jollywood at Hollywood. For the holidays. That's a lot. That's a ton. Let's run that tape back. You can see why I messed up. Stacey is going to run it back. Jollywood. Jollywood at Hollywood. And when she does, she will realize there was never a duh. Just Hollywood, Jollywood. And before we jump in here, remember please, M&Ms, that you have to click that follow button

[00:11:25] to get your reminders that our new content has dropped every single week on Spotify. Also, I don't know if you missed this switch or this memo or if you're not following us on social media, but if you would rather watch us than listen, we are now a visual podcast. We appreciate you following. We appreciate you watching, leaving us a five-star review and sharing our podcast with your community, both by word of mouth and on your social media. So here's what we're going to do. We are going to do Tinseltown ratings.

[00:11:51] Jollywood Nights really leans into that old Hollywood tinsel Christmas vibe. It's like your office holiday party from yesteryears. We're going to give Tinseltown ratings from one to five stars. The stars of Hollywood, the stars of your Christmas tree. We're leaning into all of the things. Rating each of the elements that we're going to talk about today and then taking an average to really decide on what you cannot miss and what might be worth skipping and making some time for something else at Jollywood Nights.

[00:12:20] So are you all clear what you're doing here? I'm going to talk about the different things that everybody, all of our M&Ms can see, do and experience at Jollywood Nights. And then each of us are going to give a rating, a star, and then we're going to get an average and really see where we think this party nails it and where we think they might be falling short. Sure. Why are we giving it stars and not tinsel? Where did the tinsel rating come from? What's a tinsel? Have you ever tried to get, like, can you imagine trying to give something a tinsel?

[00:12:47] Well, I'm just, why is it a tinsel rating if we're giving it stars? So tinseltown, but it's a star rating. Tinseltown is Hollywood. Yeah. She doesn't know. Okay. She's out of her mind. I thought we meant the tinsel on the tree. Well, see, that was the play on those words. Well, tinsel on the tree is the theming. But I do. Now that you said tinseltown, you really have to break things down for me. I hope you are here for you. This is the box. This is the box. And I could just barely think inside the box. You want me to think outside the box and we're done. Okay.

[00:13:17] All right. We are going to start with the box office. We're talking about the tickets and the dates, how this looks as a party. The tickets, dates, prices, the sellout risk, the early entry, the value there. The overall value of the price of the tickets this year for 2026 was $169 to $199. So that is considerably less expensive, in my opinion, than the top tier pricing of Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. What is that?

[00:13:44] $30 less for the top tier pricing for this party versus that one. So it is still expensive, but it is a more cost efficient way to go about an after hours party. If you need a slight way to cut a corner, the dates this year are so exciting, in my opinion, November 7th through January 5th. So we are for the first time at this party going beyond the actual holidays, beyond New Year's even and into early January.

[00:14:10] A lot of people are wrapping up their holiday season and finishing their travel before going back to school into January. And a lot of times that holiday magic ends right away. And it's really fun for me to see that we are going to see it extended. The new January dates, what do you all think? Smart edition? Or would you rather have more December nights? Because where Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is a lot of nights every single week, three to four, Jollywood is much, much less. One to two.

[00:14:39] I actually love the addition of it. At first, I couldn't wrap my head around it. And then I started thinking about it. And you just mentioned it's like a really great office party, which I've never been to a really great office party. And I remember Katie describing this event as that on like another Jollywood episode that we've done in the past. I think that Jollywood nights actually feels like a really amazing New Year's Eve party.

[00:15:05] So I think adding those additional dates, they nailed that on the head. And I think it's just going to be a really great way because so many people come in that week after Christmas. And like you said before, it was like we're stopping all the holiday stuff right at Christmas Eve, right? And you still have the decorations and all the treats and stuff. But to be able to experience those parties that week, I think is a really great addition. Yeah. I agree. It's really, it's very smart.

[00:15:34] I think it's going to bring in a lot of new visitors to this party. I also like that they have done a good job of butting up the Jollywood with the Very Merry Christmas Party so that you could do both in the same trip. There have been times, and still have a relatively short trip, there have been times that they were so spaced out that you couldn't like do a party only trip if you wanted to. This year, you can do that. It's, they've got them lined up pretty well so that you could do one one night and one

[00:16:04] the other and then go home if that's all you were trying to do. So I love that they've done that. And I agree that it's so New Year's Eve-like and it's very smart of them to extend it in. And hopefully we'll have a good turnout for those. Y'all go. Go so that it'll stick around this way. I like it. It's very smart. Yeah. I have some clients going into January. So I think people are doing it and I wish I was doing it. It's not a good time of year for me personally, but I love it for the event and what it is.

[00:16:33] I also love that I'm okay that there's not more of these because Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is happening so, so frequently that, you know, I have some clients traveling to Disney in December where there is one night that they can do regular Magic Kingdom just based on the way their trip is. And that's really tough. Luckily, they have that one night, but the reality is that one night is probably going to be very, very crowded because the rest of the nights around it are all party nights.

[00:17:03] Everybody's going to go in that one. Yeah. Right. And so you're having that sort of fallout at Magic Kingdom throughout the Very Merry Christmas Party. And so for Jollywood, I'm okay that it's very select nights. Most trips will have a party date that aligns. And I think I'm okay that Hollywood Studios will still operate pretty normally with Fantasmic and guests will get a lot of options for nights at Hollywood Studios if that's what they want.

[00:17:30] And then they will probably have at least one date. You know, this party, the tickets go a little slower. It takes a little bit more to sell out. So I'm not super concerned with availability, even if there's only one during your trip. So I like it. I'm okay with it. And I give it, I give it five stars. For sure. Yeah, I agree. Is there a party on New Year's Eve? I mean, there definitely should be. No, I don't think so because all of the parks just do their big, their big parties. Jollywood Nights takes a break actually. It does. Yeah.

[00:18:00] Right before Christmas, it stops and then it doesn't return until after New Year's. So from the 23rd through the 3rd, you're getting a lull. So if you're going then, I do think that's a little tough. It almost makes me want to take my score to a four just because if you arrive on the 23rd to spend Christmas there, there's, I mean, unless you go that night, there's really not going to be an option for you. So that's actually enough to make me want to give it a four because that is a really popular week to go and you're not getting an option. So I am. I'm with you.

[00:18:30] I'm glad that I just looked at those dates because I think that that was kind of a miss on Disney's part. I feel like to either have one on New Year's Day or New Year's Eve would have been like perfection. And the fact that they, they stop it on the 23rd of December and then they start it back on January 3rd and the last day is on the 5th. Yeah. Yeah. And I'm sure it's because it's the very most crowded time for Disney. I get it. Yeah.

[00:18:57] It is very large crowds and they just can't afford to kick people out early. They just need all those regular hours, but it would be, it would be fun. I totally agree. So how many stars you giving it? I'll go four also. Yeah. Just because you are getting a group of we are here for the holidays people that they don't have an option. So that's tough. It would be cool if you could have, because they have New Year's Eve options, you know, with special fireworks at Epcot and Magic Kingdom.

[00:19:24] It feels like it could be a third option where you have a party ticket. You could go over there and have another option. I feel like that would alleviate some of the... They would really have to up capacity. They would have to up capacity though, because those, those parks are super crowded New Year's Eve. So I think that particular party, you would have to be there with the goal of just enjoying New Year's Eve and less about the exclusivity of the park, because I think you would have to have a huge capacity in order to make something like that fly. So giving it a four. Okay.

[00:19:53] That is going to average the ticketing dates box office at a four. We all agreed. Okay. Our next Tinseltown rating, opening credits, the vibes and arriving hours. The vibe, of course, we've said is old Hollywood theme. And when I said office party, Carla, when I say that in my mind, I'm thinking like an after dark downtown window, wall to wall windows, holiday music and cocktail trays. Like that's the kind of party I'm thinking. Yeah. Like what you see in the movies. Not the ones I've actually ever experienced.

[00:20:23] Yeah. Yeah. Oh my gosh. I want to show you, I want to show you guys my shoes I got for our holiday party. Okay. Go get them. But while you're saying that I went to an office party once with Matt and I was eight months pregnant and my stomach was very big. And for some reason I thought I needed to wear a Spanx and we were sitting down at the table and I had to go to the bathroom. I went to the bathroom and I yanked those Spanx off and I threw them in the garbage and I was like, never again. I don't know if I've ever worn Spanx for an entire night or like an entire event.

[00:20:51] I always go and take them off. They were specifically maternity Spanx, which why do they even have those? I don't know. Maybe they weren't maternity Spanx. Did they have maternity Spanx baddest? I was going to say, why would there be maternity Spanx? They went in the trash. Don't do it, ladies. I have thrown away Spanx myself. That's, that is awful. Okay. Look at my shoe that I got to wear to our holiday party. Can't see that. Oh, those are so cute. Cool. Can we just say this is the vibe of. Yeah. That's why I'm showing you. Yes. Of Jollywood. This is what you wear.

[00:21:21] I know. I'm wearing these to our neighborhood party. I'm literally so excited. And so I wanted to get them out though, because this is what I, when I'm talking Jollywood, this is literally what I need. Yeah. Yeah. I don't mean this is what you wear as meaning, meaning you don't wear a heel to the park, but take that shoe and then make choices. Yeah. Glitter. Sequins. Yeah. That's the vibe to me. That's what I wanted to show you. And I think that visual is really good. So the vibe is old Hollywood glitter glitz glam.

[00:21:50] The hours are 730 to 1230, but park access actually starts early at 530. So before you are there to experience all of the party offerings, you get two hours of park time where you can go ride Tower of Terror or Rise of the Resistance or Slinky Dog, ride something that you're not going to focus on during the party and then have a great night at the party. And see Fantasmic, which is huge. In two hours, you can really get a lot done, right?

[00:22:18] And the fact that they show Fantasmic before the party actually begins is wild. You know, Magic Kingdom requires darkness for their nighttime shows, so they really can't do that. So it's a great perk that you don't have to miss out on that. Guests that are leaving Hollywood Studios don't have to miss out on that. And those are very, very, very valuable hours because of that. So I am all about this type of holiday vibe. I am all about the value of the two hours that you're getting.

[00:22:45] And I think because of that, you can really just focus on party and not, you know, you don't want to go to Jollywood just to go ride rides. That's really not why you're there. No. And I've done that. I've done Jollywood both ways. I did Jollywood with my family. And at the time, the kids were maybe 11 and 12. And we all we did was ride rides. And we walked right past the shows, the music. And it was terrible. I mean, it wasn't terrible because there were no lines at the rides. But that's not why we were there.

[00:23:14] And we could have done that any other time. And then I did it with Becky one year where we actually slowed down and really took in the glitz and glamour of it all. And it was great. The reality is, it's an option if you're having scheduling issues with trying to see Hollywood studios. And if it works out that you can buy this ticket and enjoy the rides, maybe you don't have enough days to go the rest of the week. I understand that. I've definitely had people do that. And they love it.

[00:23:42] And so they are there and kind of missing out on some of the Jollywood theming and perks and special things. But it's an option if people want to go and use it that way because you do get to ride the rides with lower wait times. And it's nighttime. You're not in the blazing sun all day. So it is a nice way to see the parks as well. But the advantage obviously is that there are so many wonderful events along with this party.

[00:24:08] So I'm not going to say don't do it that way because I know some people don't care that much. And it's an option, you know? Yeah. I'm giving the opening credits for Vibes and Arriving Hours a five. Yeah. Five stars. The fact that they let you do Fantasmic is huge in itself. I think that gives it a five pretty much just for that reason. Yeah. Really valuable. Fantastic. Okay. Our next category, the main feature, the shows at Jollywood Nights. Here they are. This is what they are.

[00:24:36] Disney Holidays in Hollywood with Kermit, Miss Piggy, and Tiana. What's This? The Nightmare Before Christmas sing-along. Jingle Bell, Jingle Bam, a nighttime spectacular of fireworks, lasers, and lights on the Chinese theater. And Glisten, the ice skating show. Mm-hmm. I think at this point I've seen all of these. What's your opinions? I only have one strong opinion. We get to give stars to all of these shows. So we get to give it by each one.

[00:25:06] So let's start with Disney Holidays in Hollywood, the one with Kermit, Miss Piggy, and Tiana. That's the one I have the most strong opinion about. And I was so excited. Year one, I thought how cool to actually have Piggy and Kermit. I thought that was going to be so great. And I was so disappointed in this show. And it's fun. I think I had built it up with more than it was going to be. Piggy and Kermit on a stage. It's at the Beauty and the Beast stage.

[00:25:35] They were so small. For such a big stage in theater, they were this tiny little speck in the middle in their little booth. Because they're puppets, guys. I don't know if you knew that. But so they were, you know, the way they had to have it set up, they were just very small on the stage. And then there was, you know, Mickey and Minnie came out. And I don't know. I may have been harsh in my response to it. I did not like this show at all and was very disappointed.

[00:26:04] And I'm really sorry to all the really hard work that goes into it with all the performers. And I hope that maybe it's had a few tweaks and better. But to me, this was totally skippable. I wish I had skipped it. It was not great. I really disagree with you. I think this is the standout show at Dollywood Night. I cannot believe it. I was going to say, this is the only show that I would say don't miss this show. It has live jazz. I cannot believe that. Is it possible because I was the only one who went year one?

[00:26:33] Well, maybe it's possible because you're the only one that really has an appreciation for the Muppets. Kermit and Piggy? Yeah. Maybe. And I was really there. I just felt like this was the most Christmas feeling show. And I just love that. I'm going to call it an amphitheater. I just love that setting and just the Broadway quality of it all. I loved it. I think the choreography, I think the production, the music,

[00:27:01] the big band, live jazzy feeling. And it's really more of a variety show feel. I love all the different characters. It feels very Hollywood. I agree. And where it's not really, here's Mickey and he's singing. I think it's really more variety, big band fun. It's not. Yeah. Yeah. And I think that's definitely the vibe they were trying to go for. I mean, like an old Bob Hope special or something. I think people that enjoy live and appreciate live entertainment will love this. And I just think thematically it's on brand.

[00:27:29] I love a mixed bag of characters. I think it's great. I actually think this show is, if I'm going to do these on a scale, I would probably give this one a five. Wow. Yeah. I give it a five as well. You have me second guessing everything. I just was going to come in with like... Don't.

[00:27:56] I give it a three just so I don't sound so terrible, but I was tempted to give it a two. I did not enjoy it. Okay. I'm so shocked. I want you to go back. Yeah. Because this is... I definitely need to. Gosh, I need to. I think this is a standout show. Yeah. Okay. So that brings us then to... Interesting. ...what's this? Which is the Nightmare Before Christmas sing-along. I think this one gets better reviews than maybe you would... I think this one feels like it would be very niche. Although I know people love Nightmare Before Christmas, I still think it's a little bit more

[00:28:25] niche, but I think... It is. ...the combination of sing-along, live performers, and puppetry, like I think it really does better than you might have thought. And I think it's surprisingly very fun. I am not a Nightmare Before Christmas fan. I mean, I like it okay, but I'm not, you know... I think it's okay. I have a hard time going into that theater and not comparing it to Frozen and, you know,

[00:28:53] just laughing the whole time and singing. It's just okay for me. It's... For me, it would be skippable. I'm not sure I would go back in and do it. If you are a Nightmare Before Christmas fan, I say it, don't miss it, right? So I just think it depends. I would probably give it a three. Yeah. Really? That's me too. It's super niche. And it does have, exactly like Allie was saying, it is cool in the respect that you get to see these characters in a live, quote unquote, live performance. The Jack Puppet...

[00:29:23] It's very cool. It is. It's incredible. Yeah. I mean, I agree. But like when the vibe in there, when you're sitting and watching when it's Frozen sing along, everybody's calling out and it's just so jovial. This is very dark. It's very... It feels more Halloween. It is very much more Halloween feeling. And it feels like you're maybe sitting at home and watching the movie by yourself in the living room. And it's kind of, you know, it's kind of like, it feels awkward that there are other people watching it with you.

[00:29:51] And so you don't feel the, quite the, I'm going to sing out. You know, you don't feel quite the, I want to jump in and be involved. It feels very more private. Like I'm enjoying this as a fan and I'm enjoying the show and it's fine, but it's not the big unified feeling of sing along to me. I don't feel the magic of the holidays in this show. Interesting. I think these are all really fair. And I feel like for a holiday party, that's what I crave. Yeah. Mm-hmm. These are very fair points. However, if you're a fan of this movie, it's... 100%.

[00:30:21] It's legit. You got to go. You got to go. I am going to be the outlier. I'm going to give it a four because of the puppetry. I do think it's surprisingly more fun. Like I think the expectation may be what you're setting. And I think it's a little bit more fun than that. Plus I am a Nightmare Before Christmas fan. I think it's, you know, I'm not like a super mega fan. I know that that movie has a cult following. I'm not quite in that category, but I do really appreciate it.

[00:30:47] And so I will definitely always make it a thing to go see that. For some, it's a must do. For others, it's a maybe skip. You know, this is not something you can replicate on a normal day. This is very, very here. And so I'm giving it... I'm going to give it a four. What'd you give it, Stace? I'm going to go three. You know, it's also unfortunate that you don't get to see Frozen with their Christmas overlay. Is that the word? Layover? Overlay. Okay. Overlay. I do kind of...

[00:31:15] I mean, I can't help but compare it. And I would prefer Frozen personally. So I'm going to go three. Yeah. Okay. What about you, Carla? Three. Three. Okay. All right. So that brings us to Jingle Bell Jingle Bam. The nighttime spectacular of fireworks, lasers, lights. What do you all think of Jingle Bell Jingle Bam? I like it. I think it is super cute. I did not have very high expectations for it because it is a... What's the word up on the wall?

[00:31:45] Oh, projection. Display. Projection. Projection. Thank you. It's a projection. It's very heavily projection. It was a lot cooler than I expected. And I knew there weren't going to be just full-on fireworks. And so I was kind of hoping for that. But it was still enough little pyrotechnic effects to it. The storyline that goes with it is really cute. And it was surprisingly good. It was worth just kind of... It's in the main little courtyard area right out in front of Mickey and Minnie's in the Chinese theater.

[00:32:13] And you watch it projected up onto that building area. And it goes pretty large. It actually expands out pretty wide. And it's just... It's really easy for everybody to see. You don't have to just be crowded in. The music is fun. Like I said, the story is fun with it. And I was surprised at how much I liked it. So I'm looking at like a four. Went in with the expectation that it should be that big end of the night show. The finale to your party night. And it doesn't hit there for me.

[00:32:43] It misses quite a bit. And I think that that's my own expectation going in thinking that's what it was going to be. And it wasn't. So I would give it probably a high 3, 3.8. I'm going to give it a 3.8. I'm not going to give it an even number. I have to give it a 3 on my side because that's all I can. That's my only option. But I appreciate your 0.8-ness. Yes. Thank you. Actually, wait. I think I can edit. Do you really want me to give you a 3.8? Yes, I do. What are you going to score it? What do you think?

[00:33:12] So, okay. Did Stacey give... Her... Stacey gave it a 4. Okay. I'm good with a 4. So, I'm giving it a 3 also. And here is why. Everybody knows that fireworks are my thing. And I feel like... First of all, did you know this show was not created specifically for Jollywood? Like, it's kind of a recycled thing. And that's why it doesn't hit as big. I don't think it wasn't created with this in mind, at least in years past. Right? And so, it doesn't hit the way you would expect for Nighttime Spectacular.

[00:33:41] I know we're not doing a comparison, but the Christmas fireworks at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party are a spectacle, just like the normal fireworks at Magic Kingdom. There's... It's just beyond impressive. And so, when Disney has that power, I think anytime they're presenting a fireworks show, it should rise to that occasion because I know they can. And this one just falls flat, feels like it was tacked on, feels a little bit afterthought-y. While I like it, it's a good Nighttime Spectacular.

[00:34:11] I don't think that... Are they calling it a Nighttime Spectacular, though? I was going to say, because it's not spectacular. I don't... It's not. And I can't... I don't want to judge it as that. I don't know if they've labeled it. Is it labeled as fireworks? It's a nighttime show because you need it to be dark. But I don't know. I would not classify it as fireworks. I would not classify it as a Nighttime Spectacular, but I would classify it as a cute little holiday showing. Yeah. Okay. Interesting. All right. Let's do Glisten, then.

[00:34:40] I think that Glisten is... So, here's the thing. I think ice skaters are so talented and so entertaining. And so, it gets a lot of points there for me because I think it's fun and exciting to watch ice skaters. Figure skaters, right? It's not the most holiday of shows. It's kind of just relying on the fact that it's on ice and cold to be holiday-y. And so, I think that is a little sus.

[00:35:08] But I do really like this show. And I am impressed. You know, it's just like sometimes when you're on a cruise and you get to see a really amazing water show. I'm down to watch ice skating pretty much anytime and especially at the holidays. I don't know that it's the biggest priority in the world. If you have enough time, I would definitely see it. I have FOMO, so I try not to miss anything. This is a... It's a three or a four. I'm inclined to give it a four because I think skaters are so talented. Is that fair? Yeah.

[00:35:36] I think this is a case of Disney doing quantity over quality. I feel like they've really packed a ton of shows in five hours of this party. And some of them just don't hit the mark or, you know, just the quality of the show's not there. And I don't think that this is a show you have to see. I agree. Ice skaters are amazing. I mean, my local park here has a theater where they have ice skaters all year and it's like a sight to be seen.

[00:36:06] It's really cool. And to me, this is kind of if you catch it in passing, then you might stop. To me, this would be more well suited, dare I say it, Disney Springs, you know, on that main stage or something. You know, it just, to me, it's not enhancing the party at all. Well, to me, it's much more of a passerby thing. Like, oh my gosh, look over there, mom. They're ice skating. Oh, that's cool. And you can see it as you're walking by and that's great. I don't see it.

[00:36:34] And I feel terrible anytime I'm saying something about a performer who obviously is dedicating so much to this performance and to call it a passerby thing. But that's how it feels. I feel like Disney's trying to set it up as like Dapper Dan. Sometimes you were walking by and you're like, oh, look, there's cool. And they're singing and they're part of the entertainment of Main Street. But I feel like even Dapper Dan is offering more than this. It's just okay. And I think it's because it's this cool thing. Like, oh my gosh, they're ice skating in Florida. How's that? You know? Yeah.

[00:37:02] I just almost think it's going to be one of those things where like you're not going to want to stand there and watch it maybe in its entirety. Your kids might get bored. I don't want to make anybody that's a really talented skater feel bad. I so respect that art form. I just think at this party when there's so much to do and there's so much going on, it's one of those shows that's like catch a little and go. And I almost think the words I'm saying make it seem more like it's actually a three, not a four. And I think I have to go that direction just based on my own words. Yeah. Yeah.

[00:37:32] I think a three is right. Okay. So I'm going to review each category's average at the end, but I have our show scores locked in. Okay. We're going to move into the after party. That is the lounges and party zones. And by the way, this is happening throughout the whole night. We have just categorized these to sound like Tinseltown Hollywood. So we've already done the opening credits, the box office, the main feature. And now we are talking after party.

[00:37:59] This category includes Jazzy Holidays at the Brown Derby, which is a reservation only jazz lounge. So cool. I've already gotten that for a few clients. I'm so excited for them. What a neat experience. The Twilight Soiree at the Tip Top Club, which is the live band at Tower of Terror. The Pixar Disco, which is a dance party with Frozone, Joy, and your Pixar pals.

[00:38:23] And then Checking It Twice, which is Specialty Beverages and DJ in Animation Courtyard, which is new this year. So they're turning that courtyard into a fun DJ specialty beverage area, which is going to be really cool, I think. So let's start with Jazzy Holidays at the Brown Derby. Carla? Becky and I experienced this last time we went. And I thought it was super cozy and chic.

[00:38:50] And, you know, there's a piano player and I believe a singer or maybe the piano player was singing. I don't really remember. But, and you know, I love Hollywood Brown Derby. But since this is a reservation and you are getting table service, it takes up a lot of time. And I would have a hard time doing it again, knowing how much time it took up. I, if you want to do this experience, I would plan for it to be about an hour. Yeah.

[00:39:19] And to me, you know, that's one fifth of your party, look at me doing that math. And it's just too much to be in one place. I would probably give it a three and a half. I'm not giving you any more specialty numbers. Give this one through five stars. Because it can't be as low as a three, but it can't be as high as a four. I think this has, you have to skip this for families. I don't think your kids want to go inside the Jollywood, jazzy holidays for an hour.

[00:39:46] And I can't say that I necessarily think it's fair to have them. Do you all have in your towns, do you all have a bar called Miracle around the holidays? No, but I did it in Kentucky because you told me to and it was great. Yeah. Yeah. So they have it in Louisville and we have one in Cincinnati and I don't know how nationally they are. I don't know how many there are nationally, but only at the holidays. One local bar downtown will do this huge overlay and it's called Miracle.

[00:40:13] And they have these specialty cocktails and you go and we do it at least once a year around the holidays. It's so much fun. I look forward to that experience every single year. This, I would akin to that. But Zan and I would definitely do this and I would not think twice about spending an hour in here. An hour is not that much to get off your feet and have a great Christmassy cocktail while listening to live jazz.

[00:40:35] I am in a hundred percent if I am with you, if I am with her, if I am with my brother and his wife and Zan. Like there is a group of people where I'm not thinking twice that I'm definitely doing this. But if my kids are there, I'm not making them do this. It's definitely an intimate experience. Yeah, so I think I have to give it a three as well. It would be a five if I were on my, like with adults, but it would be a one with my family. And so I think I'm going to give it a three. I think that's fair.

[00:41:05] I think a three is, for all the reasons you both mentioned, that's probably the right thing. It's going to keep that same vibe. If you have any familiarity at all with this as a restaurant, as a dining experience, it's going to have that same vibe amplified just a little bit for the party. So it's nice. It's really nice. And maybe that's what you want to do with your time. That's great. But it is a, it is a little bit of a downtime while you're there. So make that choice wisely. All right. Let's talk about the Twilight Soiree at the Tip Top Club.

[00:41:35] I'm happy to go first on this one. Okay. This is everything I love. This is my favorite attraction combined with a party. I think is so cool that Disney created. I just, can I just say again, I think Jollywood Nights is such a great thing. I am so glad that they added this a few years ago. I love the name. I love the concept. I love the fact that it exists. And it is the only time of year that another party specialty thing exists like this. So I love the Twilight Soiree. Here's why.

[00:42:05] The atmosphere is absolutely perfect. It hits it right on the head. It's in the Twilight Tower, Twilight Zone Tower of Terror courtyard there, right? Where there is a live band playing jazz music, but it's playing jazzy holiday music. And the whole thing is sort of designed to feel like a Twilight Zone soiree, which is where I want to spend my time. They also have holiday cocktails. So specialty cocktails with holiday jazz in the courtyard of my favorite attraction at a party I think is so unique.

[00:42:32] But the best thing about it and the thing that I think is most important to point out where we just said that the jazzy club at Brown Derby was problematic because of the time. I don't really think that the Twilight soiree really has to become a thing, right? You can sort of walk into the courtyard, listen to music and take in the vibes while you're waiting on one of those really amazing specialty cocktails, and then you can move on. And it can be 20 minutes of your night where you're like, that was so fun. And honestly, for me, it's one of those things where we go, we grab our cocktail, we enjoy the atmosphere.

[00:43:02] We walk away and do other things. And we're like, let's go back to that Twilight area. That was so fun, you know? And so it's kind of a swing in and out thing. You don't feel guilty for leaving. You don't feel like you're pinned down to a specific length of time. And so it's an easy five stars for me. Take in the atmosphere, move on. I think you nailed it when you said that Disney nailed the vibe of this whole party. So Jollywood as a whole, this particular setting, the singer, the band, the cocktails,

[00:43:31] this nails what Jollywood Nights is. What they didn't nail to me is the space. I love that it's underneath, you know, the shadows of the Twilight Hotel, the Tower of Terror. But as a space, it's very small. And something else they did not nail, love the cocktails. There's only a couple. The line goes pretty quickly, but the line is extremely long.

[00:43:57] And it's past the music and the courtyard. And you will wait in that line a pretty good amount of time. So for me, that kind of drops it down to a four. But I love it. I almost wish it was maybe in just a different area. Or maybe it was more around like Fairfax Fair, where it was just kind of a larger scale thing. Yeah, that's exactly right. The spacing back there is so crowded and it's catty-cornered.

[00:44:26] And so you're, it's like you all have to stand a little bit to the left of the stage. And it's, I don't know, incredibly talented. Lounge singer kind of vibe. Very cool. I don't know if you would call it cabaret, but just that swankiness of the jazz club. Like a jazz club, right? And it's so cool. So beautiful. Of course, right there at the Tower of Terror is so unique and special. So it's great.

[00:44:55] But to me, I feel a little claustrophobic back there. I feel like, I don't know, I feel like I'm... It's dark back there. It's just a little out of place. Yeah. Mm-hmm. Now, if it was, I don't know, like should they go a little... I don't know if you want them to be zombified or something. They're the ghosts or whatever. Maybe that would give some of the darkness if they were like the ghost of these singers. I don't know. Did she just tell us that the Nightmare Before Christmas show was too dark? I did.

[00:45:23] And now she wants to zombify the most beautiful singer on the stage. There's just something a little weird about it. I don't know. I guess if you're, the theming-wise, I guess you're going back in time before it was the Tower of Terror and it was just the Hollywood Hotel. Well, that's what it's supposed to be and they're not supposed to be dead. You said they were supposed to be dead. Are they supposed to be dead? No. No. It's supposed to be like a party at the Hotel Hotel. It's just so dark. Yeah. It's just so dark. It's like a nighttime party at the Hollywood Tower at the hotel. Yeah. You know what?

[00:45:51] Here's what I think the play is based off what you guys are saying. The play is don't get a cocktail there. The move is... But the cocktails are so good. This is where you get the glittery... They've got all the specialty stuff there. Yeah. This is... To me, these are some of the best cocktails. So you... I am getting a cocktail there. I already said what I was... I gave this a five because it's a low expectation experience. It's like go in, have a great time, listen to music. Like, yeah, the line's long, but dance... I think here's how you do it. Here's how you do it. You go... You ride Tower. You ride the Tower of Terror.

[00:46:20] You have that fun little experience. You come out of the gift shop and it's right there. And then that helps you feel that you've been in the hotel. It gives you that hotel feeling, which I guess is why... Which is exactly what I've done. And it's why I feel like it needs to be spookier because we were just in this creepy ride and... And then it's right there. It's right there as you're exiting. So I don't know. It's cool. I think it's all location. The location is just weird. I mean, it fits...

[00:46:49] It fits to match the hotel, but it's too crowded. Too crowded. Too tight. Yeah. Fair enough. What do you give it? How many stars? Three. I already put that down for you. I figured that's what you're going to say. All right. Let's talk about the Pixar Disco. This is, I think, better than some people might give it credit for. I don't know. I'm giving it a five. I'm just going straight up there. I don't like characters. And I thought it was fun. It's so fun. It's so fun. Families should not be overlooking this.

[00:47:18] This party kind of gets a reputation that it might be more so for adults. There is so much for kids to see do an experience here. And this being one of the headliners. Yes. It's not just a dance party. This is like Pixar characters and music and dancing and atmosphere all falled into one special, really cool thing. Last year, it was what? Frozone. Mike Wazowski. Sadness. Sadness. Edna Mode. Yeah. Yeah. So fun. It is. You can see characters.

[00:47:47] It is, to me, it's the most Disney-fied thing they have going because of the character interaction that's there. And it's all your party music, like electric slide. And, you know, I don't know, like your most stereotypical party music. And it is a blast. And you are, to have the characters dancing with you just feels really social and just really fun. And they had, you know, they had the little machine going with the bubbles that had the smoke in them. That was really neat and fun.

[00:48:16] You know, it's just a really fun little vibe over there. Do you guys feel like Hollywood Studios is really leaning into the Disneyland style of character where you're experiencing them rather than waiting in line, right, with the new animation courtyard and all of the things we know that Hollywood Studios is doing, plus this, where you're interacting and you're dancing. First of all, Sadness is like my favorite Disney character. Watching her dance is hilarious. It is just the best. Is she dancing like that with you? Yeah. She kind of dances kind of sad.

[00:48:43] Everybody that knows me knows that I love Elsa from Frozen 2 and Sadness. I just adore Sadness. I think she's hilarious. And the fact that she's here and doing this is a ball. So I also give it five stars. This is, you're going to this party with a family. This is so fun. I'm actually interested to see if this is going to be an animation courtyard. Because to me, that whole area would be the perfect place. But is it, Stacey? Because I don't know. In the past, it was down that Pixar alleyway.

[00:49:13] I don't think it's moving. I'm sorry. The DJ is going to be over there. My bad. Okay. There is a DJ. The DJ is going to be over there. Yeah. Yeah. Which I had read that. And I was thinking this was DJ. But yeah, this is separate. Okay. Yeah. That makes sense. Easy though. Easy mistake to make because Animation Courtyard is brand new. And they wasted no time getting what might be a sleeper of a hit right into Animation Courtyard. They've got Checking It Twice coming.

[00:49:41] New edition for 2026 happening this year at Jollywood Nights. So anybody going this year, if you've got a ticket upcoming, you are going to get to experience something brand new, which I always just think is really fun. I don't love when people have negative things to say about new things. I think let new things simmer and gel and figure out what they are. I think Checking It Twice is going to be really, really fun. It's sort of, Disney has described it as sort of a lounge in Animation Courtyard with specialty beverages, another live DJ.

[00:50:08] Look at all the live music happening at this party and just sort of entertainment throughout the night. So I think this is really smart for Jollywood. I'm interested to see. I'm interested to see because they have had a DJ in that area last time I went. So two years ago. And it was a dead zone. But also that area at that time was dead. Nothing was back there. They had moved Star Wars, launched Bay out. Nothing was back there. So I'm interested to see.

[00:50:37] Like, in my mind, I'm picturing, like, stand-up tables in places where you could actually stop and grab a cocktail and hang out. And it's such a nice, big space that I could see this being a really great thing. I think its goal is grab a drink, have a seat, recharge, hang out, listen to music, get away from the crowds, which I think most of us need at least sometimes. And still feel like you're part of a party.

[00:51:06] Still feel like you're getting something exclusive. And I think it's kind of we got to wait and see. This is unproven. We do not know if this is going to be great. But I am intrigued. Well, I don't think it's going to be a getaway from the – I think it's going to be very loud. I think it's going to be very active and fun. I don't see it as being a getaway from the crowds place. Because they've had a DJ in the center area where we talk about the jingle bam and I think the ice skating has been out there before.

[00:51:32] So they've had DJs and dance party kind of idea. But they're adding in the lounge part of it, too, and putting it into an area that I think will make it feel less dead because it'll be a little more enclosed. It'll give you a little bit more of a space versus just an open area where people are walking through. I think it'll be a lot of fun, but I don't see it as being a getaway from the crowd place. I think it's going to be really lively, very lively. So it's exciting.

[00:52:00] I want to give this a four, even though I think that's really high for something we haven't experienced. I think the idea here is really right. And if Disney does it well, then it's going to be, I think, a hit and a really great addition to the party. So I'm going to go ahead and give this unproven new lounge after party a four. I was going to give it a five for that exact same reason. I think the idea sounds really fun and great and smart, and I have high hopes for it.

[00:52:26] So I'm going to give it a four in that I hope it's not just another DJ hoping somebody stops and dances. I hope it's, you know, a little more thought and put together than some of the other spaces have been in the past. Okay, very good. Next up, we have the red carpet, the characters, the photo pass plus the rides and lower wait times. First of all, do you all feel like there are good lower wait times? Just give me yes or no for now because we're going to talk about it. Yeah, for sure. Yes. All right. We have rare character lineups.

[00:52:55] So you have Santa, Stitch, Powerline Max, Cardisaurus Rex, who I am a big fan of Cardisaurus Rex. So cute. He is huge in this house. So darn cute. Yes. So cute. My son dressed up as Cardisaurus Rex for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas party one year, or Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween party one year when we went. It was so much fun. He had the whole Viking hat. We love him. So cute. Bing bong and more all around Echo Lake. You have Santa, Duffy, and just other pop-ups throughout the night, but those are kind of the headliners.

[00:53:26] You have lower ride weights for Rise of the Resistance, Slinky Dog, and Tower of Terror. And you have included PhotoPass download. Did you know that those were included? I love that. Yeah. Yes. So let's talk first about those rare characters. Santa, Stitch, PartySource Rex, Bing bong. What do you think? I think everything you just mentioned is just really leaning into families going to this event. I think getting to see those rare characters that you're not going to see at any of the other parts, getting the lower wait times.

[00:53:55] You know, we talk about lower wait times at Mickey's Very Merry and Mickey's Not So Scary party. And I feel like they are lower waits, but there still are waits. I don't feel like there are waits, this party in particular, because I don't feel like that's a priority for a lot of the party goers. And all of the entertainment and parties and everything are in the front of the park. They're not really near the rides other than Tower of Terror and Rock and Roller Coaster.

[00:54:20] But I think that all of these things that we're discussing really appeal to families going to this event. And for that, I give it a five. Yeah. I think what's fun about it is you certainly can stand in line and see these great characters. But it's just such a fun thing to be walking around the corner and be like, oh, my gosh, there's Rex in his little Viking hat. I mean, it's so cute. Pinocchio. Oh, my goodness. What a great experience we had with Katie seeing Pinocchio. That was so fun.

[00:54:46] And it just I think it's incredible to add to the atmosphere of it and really keeping the Disney feel so that the families and so kids feel like, hey, this is still a Disney party. Because there are a lot of aspects. If you're back there at Tower and you've got that swanky little jazz band playing, it does that's not going to feel particularly Disney to the kids. So I love that this really keeps them reeled in. The photo pass. I love that.

[00:55:14] I think that's awesome because they do have great photo opportunities. A lot of cute places and poses and props. And they're worth getting. I mean, gosh, I love my pictures from these little parties. They're fun to have. And I'm glad that it takes that away from feeling like another expense somebody has to do. So the fact that's included is very smart, Disney. Good job. Are you giving everything I've said, the low wait times, the characters and the photo pass? Are you guys both giving all those things fives? Is that what you were saying? Yes, we have to.

[00:55:44] We don't have to, but I think, yeah, we are ranking them individually. And I think it's fine that the conversation goes like this because I agree. I'm giving fives across the board here as well. Because first of all, these are really, I hesitated a little with characters for two reasons. Number one, these aren't holiday specific characters other than Santa Duffy and Santa Stitch. The other one's like Powerline. You can see anytime. But Party Source Rex and Bing Bong are really not holiday related, but they are so unique. You can't just casually see them out.

[00:56:12] So I do still love that. I worry a little bit about the wait times. I don't love waiting for characters at parties, but it is really fun. I'm going to stick with the five. The low wait times, the value here is crazy because at Very Merry Christmas Party and Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, I know we want lower wait times. I do not always feel like that's the case. And I feel like at Jollywood, it really is. For sure. Yeah. So I'm going fives across the board too. I'm updating my numbers. Anything else y'all want to add? We love the red carpet here.

[00:56:41] I do think this is a great time that even Slinky Dog, even the wait times on that are totally doable. You can ride Slinky Dog at this party. It is great. Use that in your planning. If you don't get a chance to do it during the day, come back to the party. You can ride it at night. Which riding Slinky at night is pretty fun. Yeah, it is fun. So fun. So fun. All right. Let's talk concession stands and gift shop. The food, drinks, and the merch. The party-exclusive snacks and desserts. Along with the party-exclusive merch. The Ollie, which is the Jolly Gingerbread Man.

[00:57:09] He is the mascot that you see on everything. The merch collection with Gertie and Duffy, which is ears, bags, ornaments, clothes, things like that. I have very low opinion on this kind of stuff with party. I'm not... I don't usually go for the party-exclusive merch. The one thing I usually try to buy is a mug. Because I love drinking coffee out of my Disney mugs. It's a thing for me. But I'm very... I'm kind of out on the big t-shirts that say the event. And the big... Like, it's just not my jam.

[00:57:37] So I feel bad because my personal score here would be kind of low because it's not my jam. But I don't think that's fair. Because I know a lot of people, that's what they do first is run for this merch. I am with you. A hundred percent. And when I went with Becky, we waited in the merch line. And it was long. And I would a hundred percent skip merch next time I went. I will never do that again. You know, there are lines at this party. Not at the rides, but everywhere else. We're getting ready to talk about concessions.

[00:58:08] You know, all the exclusive snacks and drinks. There's lines for these things. And you really have to, you know, plan out what you... What is worth your time. That's what I was going to suggest too. I do not recommend waiting in merch lines. The thing is though, if you are... There are merch people that they want that truly event-specific spirit jersey. And for this purpose, the merchandise is very event-specific. And it is featuring Ollie, the Jollywood mascot.

[00:58:37] And it is great as a collectible. If you're going to grow up and pass down that Jollywood shirt from the time you went to that special party. And it does give you something tangible as a memory to take home. So it's available if you like it. Yeah. I think my issue with it when I went, I believe the merch was only in one location. And I feel like that might not be the case now. Or maybe that even wasn't the case back then.

[00:59:02] But I mean, we waited probably 40 minutes in line to get into the one shop with the exclusive merch. So if it's expanded, you know, on Hollywood Boulevard, yay. I think that that would be a huge perk or plus. If they had a swanky holiday sweater, I would be into it. I bought a, you know, the ugly Christmas sweaters. I bought one at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party last year that I really think is fun. I don't buy the big character-y ones, but I do buy like a sweater, right?

[00:59:32] So I'm not dissing it across the board by any means. It's, I'm actually going to give it a four because I think for its purpose and for the people, for the audience that want the merch, it's there. And it is super cute. Yeah, they did a good job. They did a good job. I'm going to take my own personal opinion out of it. The lions make me hesitate. And a little bit of my personal opinion are just going to keep it from a five. But I am going to give merch a four. Yeah, I would too. Yeah. And Disney does publish what's available and where you can get it.

[01:00:00] Not just their food and drink, but their merch also. So I would definitely say look into their publications that they'll do for food, drinks and merchandise and kind of plot it out and make a plan for when you want to get by there so that you're not just wandering around looking for that particular thing. You're like, oh, I saw a cute little Gertie bag or something. And then just say, I got to go find it. Don't do that. It will be published somewhere exactly where you can get it.

[01:00:27] And if you like to just wander through the stores, that's great. There's a lot of cute stuff, but particularly too with the food and drinks, you might see pictures of some really cute snacks. They do have a lot of Gertie stuff this year, I think. And it's just that's just one of my favorite things. So just kind of know where you're going to be looking for it ahead of time and enjoy it. I do like to browse. I actually don't look ahead of time because I do like shopping and just going in and seeing. I don't usually buy a lot of stuff in the souvenir shops.

[01:00:57] But when I do go in, I love to try to find that one thing that I know I'm going to really like. And so I do think there's a really fun element to that. And like I said, if they have the right swanky sweater, I'm in. I'm probably going to buy it. I think to Stacey's point is at any of these after hour parties is that there's always the exclusive sippers and the popcorn buckets and those types of things. And it is worth looking where they're being offered. Yeah, no, I completely agree.

[01:01:25] OK, and then we all give that a four. What about snacks? I'm just going to go straight in and say I'm also giving this a four. I love the effort to have so many specialty things, especially so many specialty cocktails. Obviously, that is more my thing than anything else, especially at the holidays. You know, when people start overhauling their menus and they have champagne based rosemary, cinnamon sparkly, sparkling crap. I'm like, I'm all in. Yeah, we're in that glass and cinnamon sugar.

[01:01:53] And, you know, one of our local restaurants here in Lebanon, I wish you guys were here at the holidays. This one local restaurant does a holiday overlay on their. Cocktail menu. And they have this one cocktail. I've tried to replicate it so many times at home. I make them on New Year's Eve. You all sent me this in our group chat. I said, I already make these. Poinsettia. The no, the the sparkling apple cider, fireball champagne deal. It is literally so good.

[01:02:19] So I am and I go to that restaurant here in my town so much during this time of year because it's you know, you can only have it this time of year. So the parties when they go out of their way to make those specialty cocktails, specialty snacks. I love that. However, there's not enough. I don't think they all hit. I don't think there's enough. And the lines are not worth it in a lot of cases. So I've had the pleasure of my husband's company bought out, rented out Hollywood Studios for a night.

[01:02:49] You know, one of those crazy times when you're like, why is Hollywood Studios closed at seven? It's for these types of events. And I tell you, I'm not joking. There were bars or cocktail stands set up like every 50 feet. It was silly. It's everywhere you turn, you could get a cocktail. And that's what I wish for this. I wish I didn't have to go to the Twilight Soiree to get those cocktails back there because

[01:03:13] I would love to get them when I'm back in Star Wars Galaxy's Edge because otherwise you don't even know there's a party going on at the front of the park. So add some of those elements back there or at least, you know, allow me to get some of the offerings back in those spaces. True. Just essentially just make them more available. So for that, I give it a four. I also give it a four, but mainly four. It's a very sweet menu. I was, yes. Good point. It's so sugary.

[01:03:43] It's so sugary. I'm almost talking myself into a three. It's very fun. I liked Carla's reminder that, yes, it's just not very spread out of those front central areas. It would be awesome if they would extend it into Galaxy's Edge, Toy Story, the areas versus just being centralized. I know that this is still pretty much a young baby party. I mean, like it's still when I say that, like it hasn't been going on for very many years yet.

[01:04:11] I feel like every year they're still evolving, still improving. I feel like it is. A lot of these things we're still kind of pointing out have already improved some. So I'm hopeful that it'll just continue that way. I think it's a good start, Stacey, in that everything is sweet. And you're so right. So sugary. The cocktails, the snacks. You for sure don't go to this party hungry. I would definitely recommend eating dinner beforehand because... At the boardwalk. At the boardwalk. A hundred percent. Lots of protein.

[01:04:40] I don't feel like you're going to find a meal. Yeah. A nice... I think I'm talking myself into a three too. Yeah. I'm giving it a three just because it is sweet. The lines are really long. It's not... And this isn't abnormal for Disney. I feel like Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is the same way. And I would say the same about the Halloween party. Absolutely. Yeah. Although they had that at the Halloween party. They had that... Oh, I can't think of the name. The thing I drafted. The snack I drafted. The poutine. The boutine.

[01:05:10] That was like a new, savory, cool thing. When it... You still have Casey's hot dogs, if nothing else. If you need... You know, those are going to be available, but... We're making it like there isn't any savory food left at Hollywood Studios. It's just that these holiday exclusives are going to leave you. It's not much, though. Yeah. It's really just not very much. Yeah. There's just not very much. Okay. Very good. We're in our last category here. We have our critics verdict. The overall rating for Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios. Who should go?

[01:05:38] How does this compare to Very Merry Christmas Party? And the final overall rating? I think you can take your kids to this party. I just want to start by saying that. And you will have a great time. And it will be less crowded than Very Merry Christmas Party. And you will have a blast. If you can only pick one, I am going to Jollywood with Zan, with you guys, with my adult friends, with our friends at the travel agency. Like, I am going with my adult group of Disney friends to Jollywood.

[01:06:07] If I can only pick one and I have my kids with me, I think I'm still going to Very Merry. I think everybody can go. I think you know your kids and your vibes and what you prefer. There's nothing wrong with this party for families. So when we're looking at it as a comparison, I just, I think Very Merry Christmas Party is a more evolved party. And there's just a lot going on. But it's also a more crowded party. And so keep that in mind, too.

[01:06:31] I will give Jollywood Nights, based on everything, looking at all my numbers, I gave a lot of fives. I gave a considerable amount of threes. So my overall rating for Jollywood Nights is an overall four. Yeah, I agree with everything you said. I think Disney knew what they were doing and that they made a party for kids specifically, for families. And that's Very Merry Christmas Party.

[01:06:55] And I really feel like this party appeals to that date night, that girls night, that party night that you also crave maybe when you're at Disney. So, yeah, I think it's a solid four. I've been on the first year and I watched it evolve into the second year I went. I did not go last year. So I'm excited to see how this continues to evolve. Yeah. So you gave it a four also? I gave it a four. Yeah. All right. What about you, Stace? I'll go four also. I really do love it.

[01:07:25] I think it's perfect if your schedule works out there that this is the party you can go to. You know, I know like if you can only pick one, you probably would do Mickey's Very Merry. But if the scheduling doesn't work out for you to do that one and this is your only option, don't feel sad about it. Like you can go to this, have a great time. It will scratch that holiday itch for you. But it is different. But it's really fun. It is so fun. So great. You know what I didn't mention, you guys? It's Snopes here too. Yes. Yeah.

[01:07:54] There is snow here too. Yes. On Sunset Boulevard of all places, which is my favorite street in all of Disney. Yeah. I'm trying to think if I like Main Street more. I know. One of my favorites. I always do that. It's hard. But to me, I have this little video of London like twirling down Sunset with the Tower of Terror in the background. So beautiful. I'm hoping and I'm just like, and her hands are out. Yeah. Yeah. It's great. It's really great. It is. It is.

[01:08:22] And this episode, just talking to y'all, is making me, there's a party on the day right after Zan's birthday. Okay. which I am going to talk about on the pod. I'm so excited. So I don't think I can make it work this year, but I don't know. I might get frisky at the last minute. I really want to go. I want to go. Okay. Well, it's so swanky. And you know what? For any M&Ms out there listening today, your magic word is swanky. Swanky. What a vibe.

[01:08:52] What a fun environment. What a uniquely Disney choice to make with Hollywood Studios. So I am all in on Jollywood Nights. We have one more thing to do here. Are you ready for Lights, Camera, Lightning Lane? There are only two questions. You have to answer them quickly. Becky getting creative. Okay. Lights, Camera, Lightning Lane. We have two. First up, the Golden Ollie Award. What is one thing you cannot miss at Jollywood Night? I think I'm going to say the Pixar party.

[01:09:20] Go back there and jam out with those characters. I just think that is, that's going to be probably one of your most memorable parts of the party that you're going to walk away with lifetime memories. I really do believe that. And I'm going to say the Disney holidays in Hollywood. You're talking about the Mickey, the Kermit party? The Muppets. Yeah. Because to me, that's the most Christmas feeling. Yeah. Oh my gosh. I have to try this again. Yeah. I'm blown away. Quintessential. I was going to say. I had to look at what they were. I had to look at what they were calling it.

[01:09:50] I forgot what they called it. That is the quintessential Jollywood show. But it just speaks to Hollywood Studios as a park in the holidays. And it's just, to me, it's the one thing you don't skip. It is. It is very old Hollywood meets Disney Christmas. It is very what you want out of. You can't miss it. That is the can't miss thing. I am questioning everything in my life right now. It's just crazy. All right. And the lump of coal, the thing that you should skip and make time for something else. I would say there's two.

[01:10:20] It's the merchandise line and it is the Hollywood Brown Derby. I don't know if I'm there with just then. I'm going to that Brown Derby. 100%. I would say maybe. You know what? If it was just like a bar top and you just sat at the, grabbed a seat at the bar, grabbed high top, you didn't necessarily need a reservation. It was in and out. Grab one drink and go. And you can still get a reservation and do that. I just wouldn't spend a considerable amount of time there. Actually, I wish the singer now that I'm thinking about it, that's outside of the Tower of Terror,

[01:10:50] the Twilight Soiree. I wish she was inside the Hollywood Brown Derby because she really is amazing. Yeah. That would be a good fix. Yeah. I think Glisten. It's beautiful. It's unique. But if you're not in the skating, I just don't think you're going to want to stand and watch that for the whole time. You might watch one of the ice dances or whatever, and then you'd be good to go. Yeah. Yeah. It's a quality experience, but it's not everybody's cup of tea. Yeah. My lump of coal would probably be just not spending too much.

[01:11:18] Maybe go ride Rise of the Resistance because the lines are going to be shorter, but then don't just wander off because you'll be so far away from the action that don't go wandering around back there. Stay where the fun is. Stay where the action is. I don't know. Lump of coal is hard to say. It's a pretty great party. It's a great party. Okay. Okay. Let's review. And then we're going to wrap this up here on Jollywood Nights. The box office, which was the tickets and dates, not hours, our star ratings in Tinseltown averaged out to a four overall.

[01:11:47] The opening credits for the vibes and your arriving hours, those two bonus hours you get early before the party. We gave stars and they averaged to a five. We are big fans of those two extra hours and the five hours at the party feels pretty decent. The main feature, all of those shows, Stacey had some negativity about one of them and we were all kind of hit or miss about the rest. Our score for shows averaged out to four stars. That's not bad.

[01:12:15] That's better than I kind of thought because I do think that they are hit or miss. The after party, the lounges and the different party zones. We had a lot of really good things to say. It does have to do with who you're with. Our average star rating, we individually starred all of them and we came out to a four. Not bad. The red carpet, characters, photo pass, low, low wait times for the rides. Our average, a five. Concessions and gift shop, food, drinks and merch averaged out to a four.

[01:12:44] And the critics verdict, our overall rating for this party, unanimously a four, which I think is really fair. Nothing is going to be perfect all the time. I think this party does a lot of things right, especially the vibes, the memories. It's going to be so unique to your Disney trip, unlike anything else. And it's fantastic. Yeah. And I learned that the gingerbread was named Ollie. Had no idea. I did too.

[01:13:11] So that's going to do it for us here on another episode of the Moms Behind the Magic. If you've been to Jollywood Nights or you are going soon, join us in our community. Tell us what you loved. Ask your questions. Tis the season, y'all. We are talking holidays and it is just so fulfilling and so fun. And Disney is the most magical space to experience them in. So hit up Jollywood Nights for real. Until next time, we are sending you fun, love and joy. And we'll see you real soon.

[01:13:39] Why are you licking your lips like that? I was trying to make them a color as I'm putting on lipstick. Bite them. That made it worse. Now they're white. Now they're white. This will be good. Is it terrible that I feel like I look like I'm dying because of this terrible color that I'm wearing that I'm going to put lipstick on? Yeah. Before we started, I said, I'm putting my lips. I was licking my lips. I said, what are you doing? I said, I'm putting my lipstick on. Hold on one second. Shut up.

[01:14:11] So that brings us to Jingle Bell Jingle Jam. Bam. Sorry. Jingle Bell Jingle Bam. The Nighttime Spectacular Fireworks Laser. Yeah. Yeah. Let's cut that out. Hey, stop it. Stop it. So is this the third year or is this the fourth year? I would say fourth. Okay. I take that back. Delete that. Do you think we're going to take fun and love and joy into 2027? I just think it's our tag. I love it.

[01:14:41] It'll always have a meeting that evolves naturally into just... Actual fun, love, and joy. Actual fun, love, and joy. Whatever. Okay. Okay. I have to go let my little old dog back inside. He is really elderly. What? We both heard that, right, Carla? Yes. I'm not saying Dollywood. I feel like you're duping us. I'm saying Jollywood. That's how you say Jollywood, but you keep saying Dollywood. I'm not. I feel like we're being pumped. Yes.

[01:15:11] Okay. Well, we could just put a little rating here. You can say, am I saying Jollywood or Dollywood? But I am saying Jolly. I'm doing so just doing so. I'm doing so. I'm doing so. We'll be right back.